backup camera output to aftermarket radio

So I am considering getting a Kenwood eXcelon DDX594 head unit which has an RCA input for a rear camera. Could I convert the output from the backup camera to RCA and run it to the radio?

 

Hey! Check this out. May be what you're looking for!

Watch "How To Wire Factory Backup Camera to Aftermarket Head Unit - Toyota Tacoma" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/_aULuiHvdjc

 

I did that exact thing and it's been working well for years.

 

@ilubtimmyhos let's do this!!!

 

I've got the same hu in my 2011 and yes there is a thread on here about how to do it. I'll see if I can find it for you. It will likely have some lines of distortion as most have experienced. Also if you go with the Maestro idatalink install kit this unit does some vehicle diagnostics as pictured.

 

Here's one of the threads. There are a few on here about this although the video shared above may be a better easier method. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-camera-connection-below-dash.30889/

 

TacoDawgfan,

Very nice! I have a 2011 tacoma so this is very helpful. The video is for a 2014. Are there any differences? Also could you give the a model number for the "Maestro idatalink install kit" I would need? To make sure I understand that will work for the backup camera and the auto diagnostics?

 

The maestro only gives the power lead for the camera, you still have to tap into the source for the video feed per the thread. The maestro doesn't provide that.

The thread I posted worked for me as for the video feed for the camera. So I can't really say or remember about any difference in the year model right off. The maestro gave me the power lead I needed to activate the camera but once I tried to wire it the way the thread showed for some reason the maestro lead wouldn't work any more. So mine is done as per the thread. I only tried the other way to see if I could make the camera work anytime rather than just in reverse which didn't work and I got tired of messing with it and just left it alone.

As for the model I'm not sure if this matters but mine is the JBL with the factory amp/sub so keep that in mind. But if you go to Crutchfield.com they will provide you what you need. That is where I bought mine. Let me check for the model and get back to you. If I remember correctly I had a 2nd piece for mine being the JBL system though for the factory amp.

 

The idatalink maestro inface module part # I used is

$138 ADS-MRR Universal Radio Replacement and Steering Wheel Interface

ADS-MRR

The wiring harness part # HRN-RR-T01

It is pricey and to be honest the vehicle diagnostics doesn't do that much. I really like the tire pressure readout but that's mostly all I use but I did want it since I read a lot of people had issues retaining the steering wheel controls with the regular wiring harness. Didn't want to lose that.

 

Question for you maestro people, does the maestro unit provide power continuously to the camera or do you still need to do the "camera anytime" mod? As mine right now is hooked up (no maestro, I have an aswc unit) the camera only has power in reverse and a few mins after shifting to drive. I've not done the mod to make it continuous power and I've been thinking of buying the maestro unit.

 

Still need the anytime mod

 

I had the stuff with me last time! Lol. Let's do it when I come by for the other stuff.

 

what camera is everyone using? i have hookups on my HU for reverse and front facing cams, but every single aftermarket camera i look at on Amazon gets horrible reviews. i'd like to not have to replace it every couple years.

 

so in the video at the 1:12 mark he talks about the 3 connections. Where do those come from? I assume they are not just laying behind the radio.

 

My memory just isn't that good so I don't want to lead you wrong but go through the thread I posted. It tells you how to wire it up and there was some different opinions/experiences about the camera turn on lead. I did the rca cable where I soldered the end and plugged into the camera feed under the kick panel on the drivers side and T tapped the power source in that same connector. If you go with the Maestro you shouldn't even have to do that one. I was trying to explain about that in the prior post but it's kinda hard to explain. But that is only 2 wires. I don't remember a 3rd for the bu camera.

There was also the issue of the factory camera in the mirror only being 6v rather than 12v and people used or made a part to convert the power down to 6v. I didn't do this. Maybe I'm wrong here but my instanding is the rear view monitor is 6v but the hu is 12v so imo there is no need to do this. So you use your own judgement on that.

I just think you need to read through the thread to get a feel and understanding of what you need to do. I don't mind trying walk you through it, just that I don't remember exactly how I wired mine and don't want to steer you wrong. Good luck!

 

Finally done with mine. Don't have the rear view camera hooked up yet. Need some connectors. Other than that, it's great. I like the matching textured look of the Metra kit, but it seems a bit flimsy. didn't like the plastic brackets. Oh well, as long as they last. I also like there is no gap around the radio, it looks really tight.

 

I just finished my install yesterday with the maestro. Cut the factory backup camera harness and spliced it on to the 4 wires coming off of the maestro, and it works. I didn't have to do the anytime mod

 

Does it work all the time though? Or just for those 3 or 4 mins that the stock camera has power after shifting into drive?

 

That I don't know if I've confirmed, I'm quite sure that any time I needed the camera and wasn't in reverse, it was within the 3-4min. Nonetheless it still serves it's purpose as a backup camera as far as I'm concerned. I'll update if I can confirm it doesn't work after that window -

 

I think I’ve learned what the side effect is to doing it this way. In the first 3-4min of shifting to drive, my backup camera randomly pops on my Pioneer HU. However, I did confirm the camera does have power whenever the ignition is turned. Works all the time when I switch to it on the HU.